Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals Saturday Highlights

Action was underway Saturday at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals with Pro qualifying kicking off at Route 66 Raceway. After changes to Friday’s schedule caused by high winds, the event team modified the Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying format. Details about the challenges from windy conditions can be found in the Windy City Route 66 coverage.

Saturday featured three scheduled qualifying runs for the bikes, starting at noon with additional sessions set for 3:45 p.m. and later in the day. This adjustment allowed riders a chance to make up for Friday’s missed action and set the stage for fast competition. For more on NHRA event scheduling, visit the official NHRA website.

Early in the Congruity Pro Mod Series, fans saw a five-second bump spot as Dwayne Wolfe placed his supercharged Camaro at the top of the charts with a 5.758-second pass. Ken Quartuccio was holding onto the final transfer spot with a 5.942.

Several big names, including reigning champion Jordan Lazic, Justin Bond, and Mike Janis, were all outside the field heading into later sessions. This made every round crucial for their championship hopes. Learn more about Pro Mod racing dynamics from the International Hot Rod Association.

These tight margins created intense battles to secure spots in the fast-moving field. Factory Stock Showdown participants also took to the strip on Saturday, with an important twist to their schedule.

Friday’s high winds allowed for only one session, so they began the day with plenty of ground to cover. Lee Hartman, in a Dodge, led with a 7.754 on Friday, but conditions improved on Saturday morning.

Taylor Dietsch seized the chance, running a 7.682 in his Cobra Jet Mustang. Hartman responded immediately, posting a 7.642 to reclaim the top position.

The cutoff time settled at a challenging 7.917, set by Dave Davies piloting his Drag Pak Challenger. Race officials kept competitors and fans updated as the day progressed, highlighting a busy lineup of eliminations and qualifying sessions across multiple classes.

With a mix of returning pros and up-and-coming drivers, the Route 66 NHRA Nationals showcased both veteran skill and fresh talent. Track conditions became a key factor after Friday’s turbulent weather, urging teams to adapt quickly to the improved surface. For insights into drag racing track preparation, check out the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Mechanics and crew chiefs were constantly making adjustments between sessions, searching for those critical tenths of a second. The crowd at Route 66 Raceway contributed plenty of energy, filling the stands as drivers battled for position and bragging rights.

Fans could see near record-setting times as cooler air and a better racing surface pushed speeds higher. The event celebrated its long relationship with the NHRA, marking another milestone at this historic track in Joliet, Illinois. More on the significance of this event can be found in the Tricky Tipster: Route 66 NHRA Nationals recap.

Coverage throughout the day included snapshots of key runs, driver interviews, and reactions from crew members. This kept everyone engaged with developments on and off the strip.

As Saturday’s rounds closed, storylines built around close points chases and unexpected breakouts. Team strategies were immediately visible, with some opting to go aggressive early, while others made careful, incremental moves to avoid mechanical issues.

Head-to-head matchups in later elimination rounds promised more drama, especially for those close to the qualifying bubble. The attention now turns to Sunday, where eliminations take center stage and a new set of champions will look to make their mark in the 2025 NHRA season.

The Route 66 NHRA Nationals always deliver high-speed excitement, and Saturday’s action confirmed that this year is no different. Tight qualifying times, shifting weather, and competitive fields set up a full weekend of drag racing for fans and competitors alike. For historical context on Route 66 Raceway, explore Joliet’s official city site.

All eyes now focus on final qualifying sessions and elimination rounds as the quest for the event title enters its final phase.